Saddlebag Checklist

You've heard the old adage, "If a horse can get hurt he will." Nowhere is there more opportunity for injury and emergency situations than on the trail. With a little planning and a well-stocked saddlebag, however, you can handle most minor circumstances. And, if an emergency occurs, you and your horse have a better chance of reaching safety. To help you hit the trail prepared, I've compiled a list of my personal saddlebag components, plus handy items to include if there's room. Keep in mind that "first aid" is just that - basic care given at the scene until more extensive measures can be taken. I'm a minimalist: I don't overload a horse with heavy saddlebags. Instead, I take only what I need to survive until I reach the trailer.

Packing Perspective:
I stock three first-aid kits: One is marked with a red-cross symbol and contains first-aid essentials I pack on the trail. The other kit is an extensive collection of first-aid items for eye injuries, serious wounds, etc., which I leave in the trailer. In case there's room for more items, I pack a nice-to-have bag, filled with helpful yet nonessential items. Keep in mind that if you're lost or injured in a nearby forest, you'll probably be found within 24 hours, although being lost or severely injured in remote, mountainous areas might mean surviving for days. In the latter case, the first item of survival gear is a knowledgeable guide with an extensive pack list and medicine chest.

Basically, deciding what to pack in your saddlebag is a matter of personal preference and necessity. Here I focus on what I consider essential and nice-to-have items for a day ride. Remember: I take a minimalist approach; you might require more. (For a more extensive list of first-aid items, see "Trail Treatments: Saddlebag First-Aid Kit," November 2002 WH.)

Saddlebag Essentials:

Disposable elastic bandages: Stop bleeding long enough to return to the trailer, plus seal and protect wounds, and help keep them clean. Because bandage adheres to itself, it doesn't require pins or tape.

Wound powder: Sprinkle powder on wounds to help clot minor bleeding.

Nonstick gauze pads: To clean or cover wounds, or to apply pressure to bleeding areas.

Temporary shoe: Although I haven't found the ideal slip-on plastic shoe, some riders have had good luck substituting duct tape for an Easyboot.

Items in case you get lost:
My first suggestion: Look at maps and plan your route so you don't get lost. Consider the orientation of major rivers, ridges and roads. As you ride, note the lay of the land, rivers and ridges. If you become disoriented, consider backtracking. Once you realize you're hopelessly lost, don't expend energy going around in circles. Remain in an area where you can be seen. Listen for a search party and be ready to signal for help. Items you may wish to carry include:

Matches and fire starter: Store in a plastic bag so they stay dry. Be careful not to start a forest fire.

Whistle: Blow to call for help.

Signal mirror: Learn how to signal for help ahead of time.

Space blanket: Provides warmth. Plus, it also makes an excellent signaling device due to its reflective quality.